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Tag: Seattle Mariners

Mariners include Mitch Garver on Opening Day roster, Andrew Knizner’s future uncertain

3/22/2026

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The Seattle Mariners are moving forward with a veteran option behind the plate.

Seattle will add Mitch Garver to its Opening Day roster as the backup catcher, according to a report from Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. (SOURCE)

The decision creates immediate roster implications, particularly for Andrew Knizner, who no longer appears to have a clear path onto the roster.

Garver earns roster spot despite recent struggles

Garver, 35, enters his third season with Seattle after rejoining the club on a minor league deal this spring.

Earlier in his career, Garver established himself as a power-hitting catcher, highlighted by a strong stretch from 2019 through 2023. During that span, he hit .250 with a .346 on-base percentage and a .508 slugging percentage while launching 75 home runs.

His 2023 season with the Texas Rangers stood out, as he hit 19 home runs in just 87 games while improving his plate discipline.

However, his production has declined since joining Seattle. Across 201 games with the Mariners, Garver has posted a .187/.290/.341 slash line with a 29.6 percent strikeout rate and below-average offensive production.

His spring training performance has also been limited, hitting .182 with continued contact issues.

Knizner likely odd man out

The move puts Knizner in a difficult position heading into Opening Day.

Knizner, 31, is on a $1 million contract for the 2026 season and cannot be optioned to the minors. As a result, Seattle will need to either trade him or designate him for assignment if he does not make the final roster.

While Knizner has experience across seven MLB seasons, his offensive production has been limited, with a career .211 batting average and modest power numbers.

Defensively, he has been viewed as a steady option, though his metrics have been comparable to Garver’s in recent seasons.

Veteran presence behind the plate

With Cal Raleigh expected to handle the majority of the workload, the Mariners appear to value Garver’s experience and familiarity with the organization.

Seattle may be prioritizing a veteran presence behind the plate, particularly one who has been part of the club during its recent postseason push.

Garver now projects to serve as Raleigh’s backup to open the 2026 season, while Knizner’s future will be resolved in the coming days.

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Mariners make Dylan Moore available: Best fits and potential suitors

The Seattle Mariners are firmly in the playoff hunt with a 55-49 record and made an early splash this trade season by acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks. But according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the club isn’t just buying—it’s also listening. Seattle has reportedly made versatile utility man Dylan Moore available in trade discussions.

Moore, 31, has played all around the diamond for Seattle this season, mostly filling in against left-handed pitching. But if the Mariners pull off a second deal for Naylor’s former teammate, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, Moore’s role could shrink significantly. A revamped infield with Naylor at first and Suárez at third, paired with shortstop J.P. Crawford and emerging second baseman Cole Young, would leave few reps for Moore.

That shift is evident in Moore’s trade value. Despite his defensive versatility and past success against left-handed pitching, the utility players prolonged slump has significantly hurt his stock. Since June 1st, he’s just 2-for-50 with a .040/.111/.100 slash line, a brutal stretch that overshadows his season totals of .201/.264/.374.

Still, Moore’s glove and versatility could appeal to clubs seeking depth. The New York Yankees stand out as a strong candidate, especially after trading for left-handed infielder Ryan McMahon. Moore’s right-handed bat could help balance the lineup and provide injury insurance across the infield. Other potential fits include the Cubs, Brewers, and Rays, all of whom could use a reliable defensive option on the bench.

While the Houston Astros have also dealt with depth issues, a trade within the AL West would be unlikely unless the Mariners are simply offloading salary.

Moore is owed $3.66 million this season, and given his slump, Seattle’s return might be limited to minor cash considerations or a lottery-ticket prospect. But if they land Suarez or another infield upgrade, it would make sense for the club to clear Moore’s roster spot and salary to make room for a bigger addition down the stretch.

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